Gay Project

Signposting & Resources

In order to make our services as inclusive as possible we’ve made our Gay Project information leaflet available in 11 different languages. Thank you to Cork City Council Social Inclusion Office for supporting this initiative.

  • According to LGBT Ireland “Coming Out is the term used by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to describe their experience of discovery, self-acceptance, openness and honesty about their LGBT identity and their decision to disclose, i.e. to share this with others when and how they choose. While coming out can be a challenging time, most people get a positive and supportive response from family and friends and feel happy that they made the decision to come out.”
  • It is a misconception that Coming Out is an event that takes place once in an LGBT Person’s life. In fact, Coming Out is a process that LGBT people experience throughout their entire lives.
  • While some people Come Out in their youth, many people choose not to Come Out until much later in life. There is no right or wrong time to Come Out in an LGBT Person’s life. The experience is different for everyone. Only you know when the time is right for you.
  • For more information on Coming Out you can visit here.
  • This Guide to Coming Out is a helpful and practical toolkit to help you throughout the process.
  • If you’re just beginning the journey of Coming Out and you need to talk, you can dial the LGBT Helpline on 1800 929 539 from 18:30-22:00 Monday to Thursday, Friday 16:00 – 22:00 and Saturday & Sunday 16:00-18:00 for support. 
  • There are also Peer Support Groups available for people who are just beginning the journey of Coming Out. To find out more you can email: peersupport@lgbt.ie or click here for more info.

Gay Project makes a valuable contribution to the issues facing LGBT+ people experiencing issues with drugs and alcohol through our advocacy on the Cork Local Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce. In addition, you’ll find a list of resources and support services in relation to Drugs and Alcohol below.

General Drug and Alcohol Supports:

General Mental Health Supports:

  • Older LGBT People from across Ireland can apply for a Telefriending Service which offers a once-per-week telephone call for friendship, security and support. To learn more about the Telefriending service click here.
  • To join a facebook group for the Older & Bolder LGBT+ Population in Ireland click here.
  • GOLD Café in the Gay Project is an opportunity for older men in the LGBTI+ community to meet, socialise and chat with other guys of a similar age.  

There are several ways to get involved with the Trans and Gender Non-Binary Communities in Cork, Kerry and Ireland.

Gay Project delivers Sexual Health Services in 5 key ways:

  1. We supply free condoms and lube from our community centre.
  2. We frequently provide onsite Free Rapid HIV Testing in conjunction with the Sexual Health Centre.
  3. We provide signposting and information services in relation to sexual health.
  4. We run campaigns such as the #Covidlove campaign which ran during Covid19 to provide practical support in having safe sex throughout Covid19.
  5. We advocate at various levels in relation to Sexual Health through our input on the Cork Sexual Health Network and the National Gay Health Network.

According to sexualwellbeing.ie “Good sexual health means making sure you have the knowledge, skills and ability to make informed sexual choices and acting responsibly to protect your health and the health of others. This includes preventing STIs. Some STIs can cause long-term problems, yet lots of people don’t know much about them.”

  • Find more information about what makes good sexual health here.
  • Find all the information you need about Sexually Transmitted Infections here.
  • To receive condoms through postage visit the Sexual Health Centre’s website here.
  • To book an appointment for Free Rapid HIV Testing click here.
  • For a Sexual Health Helpline dial 021 427 6676. You can also email info@sexualhealthcentre.ie.
  • To book an appointment for free STI Testing in Cork you can contact the South Infirmary Victoria Hospital in Cork on old Blackrock Road on 021 4966 844.
  • To book an appointment for free STI Testing in Kerry contact Tralee General Hospital on 066 718 4139 or email: martina.osullivandarcy@hse.ie.
  • To avail of Free At-Home Testing Kits you can visit https://sh24.ie.
  • For information about HIV and your status as HIV Positive or Negative in addition to Treatment, Disclosure, Stigma and Transmission click here.
  • Information about PrEP can be found here.
    PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is taken by HIV negative people before having sex (pre-exposure) and after sex, to prevent HIV (this is called prophylaxis). PrEP has been shown in many studies to be safe and highly effective at preventing HIV. When taken correctly PrEP has been found to be about 99% effective. For more information about PrEP visit here.

LGBTI+ Organisations

LINC is a community organisation with lesbian and bisexual women’s health and well-being at the core of what they do.
As well as being a community hub, LINC’s dedicated team host a number of weekly drop in sessions, provide peer support and a low cost counselling service. They deliver LGBT+ awareness training to businesses, organisations and schools around Cork. They host a number of health-based initiatives and supports as well as community-led interest based activity groups.

11A White Street, Cork
Monday to Wednesday 11am to 3pm and Thurs 11am to 8pm
Call: 021 480 8600  Email: info@linc.ie Website: www.LINC.ie

  • BeLonG To is an organisation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people,
    aged between 14 and 23.

    Parliament House, 13 Parliament Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

    Call: 01 670 6223
    Email: Info@BelongTo.org
    Website: www.BelongTo.Org

Transgender, Nonbinary & Intersex specific groups

TENI is a non-profit organisation supporting the transgender community in Ireland in all its variety.

Unit 2, 4 Ellis Quay, Dublin 7 Call: 01 873 3575

Email: info@teni.ie Website: www.teni.ie

  • Intersex Ireland is a group set up to support intersex people and their families, educate wider society, and advance the rights and equality of all intersex individuals across Ireland. 

    Email: intersex.ie@gmail.com

Gender Rebels is a group based in Cork City which advocates for and supports all transgender, non-binary, intersex and gender non-conforming individuals. 

Cork Transgender Peer Support Group, is a confidential support group for people with a diagnosis, or awaiting a diagnosis of Gender Identity Dysphoria.
This group is for people who are planning, or in the process of going through their medical and social transition, and for those who have completed their transition.
The group is a safe place to meet other Transgender people to: share experiences, make new friends, and to avail of peer advice and support.

The group is strictly for over 18s only. 

Call: 085 193 5461 

ent

TransParenCi is a support group for parents and family members of transgender children and adults. The group meets on the third Friday of every month from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. 

Transformers is a peer support group for young people whose parents attend TransParenCI. Both groups run simultaneously but are facilitated in separate spaces. 

Call: 01 873 3575
Email: transparencigroup@gmail.com 

Helplines

LGBT Ireland is a national support and advocacy organisation working to improve the visibility, inclusion and rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender people and their families. They also offer support to LGBT+ people through a Support Line which operates 7 days a week over the phone or through the chat feature on their website. 

Call: 1800 929 539 
Website: lgbt.ie Email: info@lgbt.ie 

Gay Switchboard Ireland provides a confidential telephone support service to the LGBT+ community and allies. Open 7 days a week. 

Call: 01 872 1055
Email: ask@gayswitchboard.ie 
Website: www.theswitchboard.ie

Samaritans operates day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Their service is not only for the moment of crisis, they’re taking action to prevent the crisis. 

They offer people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others, and encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. 

Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.ie 
Website: www.samaritans.org 

Cork Lesbian Helpline is a voluntary helpline for women, providing confidential, informal information and support regarding sexual orientation. 

Cork Lesbian Helpline is a member of LGBT Ireland. 

Call: 1890 929 539
(Wednesday 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm) 

Gay Information Cork is a gay helpline service for men. It is a non-directive, non-judgmental, information and listening service.
Operated by trained volunteers on LGBT issues. It is totally confidential. Gay Information Cork is a member of LGBT Ireland. 

Call: 021 427 1087
(Tuesdays 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm) 

Sexual Health Services

The Sexual Health Centre is an NGO that provides non-biased information and offers non-judgemental support regarding sexual health, wellbeing, and sexuality. The centre offers a broad range of sexual health related services and supports including free Rapid HIV testing, an LGBTI+ Sexual Health Support service, counselling, and free condom packs and pregnancy testing.

For more information or to book Rapid HIV Testing:

Email: info@sexualhealthcentre.com 
Call: 021 427 6676.

For the LGBTI+ Sexual Health Support Service:

Email: 
aaron@sexualhealthcentre.com 

The Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme provides information to help people living in Ireland to experience positive sexual health and wellbeing.

See www.sexualwellbeing.ie for more information.

Ireland’s national HIV organisation which advocates for people living with HIV and the prevention of new HIV infections.

Call: 01 873 3799
Email: info@hivireland.ie 
Website: 
www.hivireland.ie

ACT UP is a diverse, non-partisan group of individuals united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis. 

Act Up Cork
Email: 
actupcork@gmail.com 

Act Up Dublin
Website: www.actupdublin.com

Positive Cork is a volunteer-led peer support group for people living with HIV. It is run for and by people living with HIV. At their meetings while they offer real support for people on issues they may be dealing with due to their HIV, they also have a great crack and lots of laugh.

The group meets twice a month on a Monday. Reach out for details by emailing positivecork@gmail.com

LGBT+ Groups

UP Cork LGBTI+ Youth Project is a Cork based youth project for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & questioning (LGBTQ) young people aged 15-23 years. 

Call: 086 044 3745
Email: nadia@cdys.ie

This peer support group is for parents with Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual children of all ages. 

Call: 021 480 8600 
Email: info@linc.ie 

MTU LGBT* is a student society for LGBT* students of Munster Technological University campuses.
Their aim is to enhance the student experience in MTU through social, educational, fundraising and awareness raising events, campaigns and projects. 

Email: lgbtcit@gmail.com 
Website: www.societies.cit.ie 
Social Media: @mtucorklgbt

UCC LGBTQ Society are a student led society who’s aims are to create a safe space on campus for LGBTQ students, provide information in the hopes of creating a more tolerant student and staff community in UCC and to fight for equality on all fronts, with allies and as allies. This is done by holding a variety of social, political and cultural events throughout the year. 

Email: lgbtq@uccsocieties.ie 
Social Media: @ucclgbtqsoc

The UCC LGBT Staff Network supports LGBT+ staff in the university, promotes visibility of LGBT+ issues and seeks to make UCC an inclusive workplace. 

Email: lgbtnetwork@ucc.ie 
Website: www.ucc.ie/en/lgbtstaff 

The group meets twice a month on a Monday. Reach out for details by emailing positivecork@gmail.com

Choral Con Fusion is an LGBTS Inclusive Choir which aims not only to make musical progress but also to be a bridge between communities and to be an organisation that would welcome everyone equally, regardless of musical experience, sexual orientation, gender or background. 

Email: info@choralconfusion.com 
Website: www.choralconfusion.com 

Greenbow is an organisation run for the benefit of all Deaf LGBT+ adults all over Ireland. 

Call: 01 874 9148
Email: greenbowlgbt@yahoo.ie 
Website: facebook.com/GBWDeafLGBT 

Is Rainbow Muid is a monthly peer support group which also aims to raise awareness of the issues facing LGBT+ people seeking international protection in Ireland. 

Email: info@lgbt.ie 

This site was voluntarily constructed and independently maintained by and for members of the Travelling and Roma community, for its Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Questioning members. 

If you are struggling to come to terms with your sexuality, are looking for information on the location of support groups, or just general help and advice on sexual health, or how to deal and report homophobic bullying
or behaviour, then look no further. 

Website: lgbtpavee.yolasite.com

 The INTO LGBT Teachers’ Group is a trade union group that supports and advances the cause of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender primary school teachers in Ireland. 

Email: lgbt@into.ie 
Website: www.into.ie 

A social and support network providing social events, training and participation in Youghal Pride by the Sea.

Telephone: 087 989 0336
Email: lgbtyoughal@gmail.com
Website www.facebook.com/LGBTNetworkYoughal

Bi+ Ireland aims to create a space where bi+ people can make friends, access peer support and reduce any isolation they may experience. We aim to increase the visibility and presence of bi+ people in Ireland and to create diverse, vibrant and welcoming communities.

Email:  biirelandnetwork@gmail.com
Website: www.biireland.com

The Switchboard provides a confidential telephone support service to the LGBT+ community and allies. Open 7 days a week.

105 Capel St, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 R290

Telephone: 01 872 1055
Email: ask@theswitchboard.ie
Website: www.theswitchboard.ie

The Irish Trans Students Alliance exists to support trans people in Ireland who are either between 18 and 30 or a student in Third Level education. ITSA has always been an organisation of peers, working together to support and educate each other.

Email: committee@transstudentsalliance.ie
Website: www.transstudentsalliance.ie

Provides support to families and friends of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people.

Telephone: 087 253 7699
Email: info@lovingouroutkids.org
Website: lovingouroutkids.org

HUGG provide a confidential, safe, comfortable space where you can start a journey of hope and healing for any adult who has been bereaved by suicide.

For further information, please visit www.hugg.ie or email info@hugg.ie if you wish to join the group.

Full Spectrum Ireland is a peer-led group for Disabled LGBTI+ people in Ireland. Meeting weekly on Wednesdays between 8pm and 9pm for social evenings talking all things queer and disabled.

Email: FullSpectrumIreland@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/FullSpectrumIRL/